The LeadersIn Maritime Law

What to Do During a Pirate Attack

So far this year, there have been a recorded 202 pirate attacks against
ships worldwide. Last year, there were 439 pirate attacks world-wide,
so this year's number is expected to continually grow. In the last
several months, pirate attacks have routinely made headlines. The region
of the Horn of Africa is repeatedly in the news for pirate attacks.

There are few things scarier than being viciously attacked by pirates while
on the open sea. While the U.S. Navy has repeatedly gone out on a limb
to rescue victims of pirate attacks, the unwelcome reality is that not
everybody is this lucky. Just recently, two Somali pirates were sentenced
to life for the killing of four U.S. citizens. Somali pirates have been
responsible for hijacking hundreds of ships over the past few years. They
hijack a boat in order to receive ransoms from the boat owners- and they
have received millions of dollars for these tactics.

Precautionary Tips

This begs the question, in the event of a pirate attack, what measures
can you take that increase your chance of surviving? First of all, before
even heading into pirate waters it is a good idea to take some precautionary measures:

Practice onboard training and drills in the event of a pirate attack before
your voyage

Put barbed wire around your ship and in places like the gangway opening

Prepare fire hose

Shut and lock all openings of accommodation on open deck

Shut and lock all openings of engine and steering room from the open deck

Inform international maritime security center before you enter pirate waters

If pirates begin boarding, all the crew should gather into a safe room

Crew should follow any of the pirates' demands

Don't be aggressive in your interaction with the pirates

Vigilance is one of the best methods in protecting your ship against a
pirate attack- pirates tend to sneak up and attack at dawn and dusk to
avoid detection. If you can steer clear of "pirate hot spots,"
that is recommended too.

In the event of a pirate attack, it is also a good idea to notify the Navy,
transmit Mayday signals or satellite messages as soon as possible. If
the military is able to intervene, The Maritime Security Center recommends
that crew members, "…keep low to the deck and cover head with
both hands, with hands visible and empty." Some ship owners carry
actual weapons as deterrents, but that is a difficult decision that is
also a personal one. Keep in mind that non-lethal weapons can also intimidate
and encourage the pirates to "pick on" a safer target.

Get Legal Help Now!

If another person's negligence led to the attack, you could be eligible
to receive compensation. Few things are as horrifying and damaging as
being the victim of a pirate attack that can leave you with flashbacks,
continual fears, and affect your line of work. Contact our office to see
if you have a claim under the Jones' Act and to learn what maritime
laws could apply to your situation. We are prepared to give you the zealous
representation you need and to assist you in moving forward with your life.

With Fewer Safety Regulations, Offshore Workers Will Lose

Hybrid & Electric Powered Ships Open New Safety Concerns

What is it Like To Work
With Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured
in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

I encountered professionalism, understanding, compassion… lot of compassion.
They really felt for what me and my wife were going through.

~ Deepwater Horizon Crew Member

Work with a lawyer who truly understands Maritime Law.

Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that
you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it
works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

The verdicts and settlements listed on this site are intended to be representative
of cases handled by the maritime lawyers of Arnold & Itkin LLP. These
listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims